Home Front Command Simulates an Unconventional Rocket Attack on Israel

Published on: March 21, 2012

It’s the afternoon of yet another routine Thursday in central Israel, when suddenly the area’s sirens go off. Thousands of frightened citizens run to shelters as a shower of unconventional rockets threaten to hit the city.

IDF Home Front Command medics rush patients to initial care.

This scenario is strictly experimental, and one the IDF must be prepared for. This drill, simulating a chemical or biological attack on Israel, is just one example of the many measures the IDF takes in order to be fully prepared for any scenario. The IDF sees the protection of Israeli citizens as its main goal, and invests many resources in the preparedness of the Israeli home front.

On this particular drill, the soldiers simulated a scenario in which citizens who were hurt in a chemical or biological attack needed immediate evacuation to hospitals. The soldiers of the Home Front Command rushed the patients into hospitals where IDF medics assessed their medical condition.

IDF medics treated the patients as quickly as possible, performing tracheal intubation on the victim who was not breathing, or in case of severe burns spreading powder on their . After the patients received initial treatment from military doctors, they were transferred to nearby hospitals for additional medical care.

“Such drills are commonly held,” said Col. Avi Abargil, commander of the Home Front Command’s medical services. “We strive to be always as prepared as possible for any scenario, conventional or not.”